Home / Sports / Sharks Trade Up for Defenseman Ryan Lin
Sharks Trade Up for Defenseman Ryan Lin
27 Jun
Summary
- Sharks traded up to pick Ryan Lin at No. 21.
- Ryan Lin is a Canadian defenseman from Vancouver Giants.
- Lin posted 14 goals and 57 points in 53 games.
In the 2026 NHL Draft, the San Jose Sharks strategically moved up to the 21st overall selection to draft Canadian defenseman Ryan Lin. This maneuver involved trading their 27th, 62nd, and 120th picks to the Philadelphia Flyers. Lin, an 18-year-old from the Vancouver Giants, brings a mobile, right-shot presence to the Sharks' blue line. He demonstrated significant offensive capability during his tenure with the Giants, tallying 14 goals and 57 points in just 53 games in the past season. This marks the second defenseman drafted by the Sharks in the first round, following their earlier selection of Keaton Verhoeff at No. 9. The Sharks had initially obtained the 27th pick from the Buffalo Sabres in a prior trade, showcasing a proactive approach to bolstering their defense corps. Sharks general manager Mike Grier's aggressive strategy in the first round aims to infuse new talent into the team.
